The River City competition took place at the Capital Ale House Downtown Music Hall. Greg Willard, co-ordinator of the competition said that Herbie D and The Dangermen performed with confidence and verve.

"They did a wonderful job," Willard said. "They were inventive, they had a good, cohesive sound. They play with a standup bass and acoustic guitar, which is a little bit different from what we're used to up here. They were comfortable on stage, interacted with the audience. I think all of that figured into their win."

Herbie D and The Dangermen were among eight acts competing, four bands and four solo or duo acts.

According to the band's Facebook page, it features Herbie Desseyn on acoustic guitar and vocals, Chris Gifford on upright bass and vocals, Michael Salazar on drums and Art Martin on sax, flute and vocals. Its members hail from Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

At the contest, In Layman Terms performed as a duo and earned high marks from the judges. The Williamsburg-area combo features 12-year-old Logan Layman and her 15-year-old brother Cole.